Messages

1

Lenses / Re: Best fisheye for canon.

« on: May 17, 2013, 07:28:22 AM »

I was thinking on a second canon 15 2.8 or a sigma.

What are my possibilities? Anyone had both of them? Also how is Rokinon?

I have the Canon EF 15mm f/2.8 and the Rokinon, but do notice that (a) the former is an FF lens, and the later is a crop factor lens, (b) the lenses have different projections.

2

Lenses / Re: Best fisheye for canon.

« on: May 17, 2013, 07:15:26 AM »

The Rokinon (a.k.a. Samyang) is a crop sensor lens. It'll fit on a full frame camera but you get a small rectangular image due to the built in lens hood. If you cut off the hood, you get a cropped circle in the middle instead, but still wont cover the whole sensor.

This lens is now made with a detachable hood, which I've bought. The image circle is 29mm, or a wee over, just enough to cover a Nikon DX sensor.

I can shoot a couple of pictures on a 5Dmk3 without the hood and upload the result somewhere, if anyone's interested.

3

Lenses / Re: Canon 24-70 2.8 ll or 20-60 2.8 mark 1 ?

« on: May 12, 2013, 08:56:39 AM »

Mt Spokane was of course correct, I was tired! Parfocal is when zooming and focus breathing is when focusing!

"The 24-70mm f/2.8 mk2 is "so cheap"? Hmmm..."

Oh yes, take a look at this direct comparison,

• Canon 50 f1.2 $1,439
• Arri Master Prime 50 T1.3 $21,950
• Indeed Canons own Cine line, the CN-E 50 T1.3 is considered comparatively modest at $ 4,950

I would say 'not as expensive'.

4

Lenses / Re: Canon 24-70 2.8 ll or 20-60 2.8 mark 1 ?

« on: May 12, 2013, 03:28:51 AM »

So our EOS lenses are so cheap partly because they are not parfocal.

The 24-70mm f/2.8 mk2 is "so cheap"? Hmmm...

5

Lenses / Re: Poll: Most Wanted New Lenses of 2013.

« on: May 09, 2013, 03:23:33 AM »

Just to play along...

1st priority: good ultra wide zoom, preferably something to compete with Nikon's 14-24mm f/2.8

2nd priority: upgraded 24-105mm F/4L IS USM. It's my kit lens so any IQ improvements would be welcome.

3rd priority: 24-70mm f/2.8 II USM. IS would be nice. Big price cutoff would be even nicer.

Upgraded 50mm f/1.4 with better IQ & build quality. IS would be nice.
Upgraded 85mm f/1.8 with better IQ. I'd like f/1.4, but f/2 IS would be just as good.

6

Lenses / Re: Poll: Most Wanted New Lenses of 2013.

« on: May 07, 2013, 08:54:39 AM »

15mm f/2.8 Fisheye II (non-L)

Yes, I kept my 15mm f/2.8 fisheye when the 8-15mm f/4 L fisheye zoom was released for three reasons:

<snip>

The Sigma 15mm f2.8 is a more regarded lens than the Canon counterpart and it's still available.

If my EF 15mm breaks down, I'll certainly replace it with the Sigma.

I guess correcting a full frame 180 degree AOV is pretty difficult, but it can be defished with some pretty horrific drops in quality.

Which is why this is not a high priority for me.

... but like all fisheye lenses....best used in moderation and infrequently. I like mine a lot, it's a lot of fun but it's not a lens I use often. In terms of distortion....it's a fisheye....yes it's a distorted view....it's supposed to be....lol!

I've learned that if I shoot with the camera leveled and pointed at the horizon, people like the wide effect without minding the distortion too much.

7

Lenses / Re: Poll: Most Wanted New Lenses of 2013.

« on: May 07, 2013, 06:37:52 AM »

15mm f/2.8 Fisheye II (non-L)

Yes, I kept my 15mm f/2.8 fisheye when the 8-15mm f/4 L fisheye zoom was released for three reasons:

1) DxO doesn't support the 8-15mm f/4. It was listed as to be supported, delayed again & again, until the lens was released, then it was dropped permanently from the list.

2) I use the 15mm f/2.8 in low light to capture a whole stage while standing right in front of it. One more aperture stop will always make for a cleaner image by shooting one ISO stop lower.

I've heard the the 8-15mm f/4 has better IQ. The lack of DxO support makes me wonder how true is that, as in maybe the distortion is so bad, DxO can't fix it, or something.

3) I'm not sure whether I'd find any use for focal lengths between 8 & 15. Actually, I'm considering selling my Sigma 8mm circular fisheye prime.

I'll be happy to see an EF 15mm f/2.8 II with better IQ.

8

Lenses / Re: Poll: Most Wanted New Lenses of 2013.

« on: May 07, 2013, 02:04:54 AM »

I would have voted either 14-24mm f/2.8L USM or 16-35mm F/2.8L USM III, but considering Canon's sticker shock policy, I would be unable to buy either one, so what's the point?

9

Lenses / Re: 85 1.2mk3 anytime soon?

« on: May 06, 2013, 12:34:11 AM »

i can't imagine what could be improved in a mkIII.  i use the 85 II and i absolutely love it.

LOCA or bokeh chromatic abberation is the only thing i'm not crazy about, but that flaw rears its head in even the best, super-fast lenses.

and besides, with canon's current pricing trend, i wouldn't care to pay 50%-75% more for what likely won't change much - image quality

There were several persons on CanonRumors who have asked for faster AF. Apparently the USM moves the heavier front elements, which is slower than moving the lighter back elements.

As Canon upgraded the non-L 24mm, 28mm, and 35mm lenses, I wouldn't be surprised if Canon upgraded the 50mm f/1.4 and 85mm f/1.8, the later having some real competition with the new Sigma 85mm f/1.4. This would probably include some IQ improvements & IS. That would close the gap between those two lenses and their f/1.2 bigger brothers, so Canon might decide to upgrade those as well.

This would, of course, not happen over night, and most probably carry the sticker shock that came with the last few upgrades.

10

Lenses / Re: 85 1.2mk3 anytime soon?

« on: May 05, 2013, 03:35:40 PM »

There are a number of other lenses due for an update. I'm looking at you, 50mm f/1.4

I hope not - there should be a couple of non-sticker-shock-inducing lenses in Canon's line of lenses.

11

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: Sigma 35 1.4 compatibility with future canon cameras

« on: May 04, 2013, 07:05:18 AM »

Do a poll I'd say most 7D or 60D owners have a sigma lens or two whilst most 5D II/III and 1D owners will have mostly Ls. If consumers were tied into buying more expensive USM or L lenses or the crap basic canon zooms then they would switch to other manufacturers that have not and would not lock out 3rd party manufacturers.

Looking at what people around me buy, it's the other way around.

People with cheaper cameras buy Canon lenses only, maybe 3 of them. People who have 5Dmk2 have a few L lenses, but a few Sigma lenses as well. E.g. I have three L lenses, but I also have three Sigma lenses, and a co-worker has at least two L lenses, but also at least one Sigma lens.

If Canon blocked my Sigma lenses out, I'd take my time, and replace all my equipment with something that isn't Canon. I spent a nice amount of my hard earned cash on Sigma lenses, I'm not going to stick with a manufacturer who thinks it has the right to prevent me from using it with it's newer cameras, much the less block me from using it with the camera I've already bought.

12

Lenses / Re: EF 800mm f/5.6L IS II [CR2]

« on: May 01, 2013, 03:42:26 AM »

I'll also add that the 4 stop IS is a big improvement.  Many people still don't like to use IS but I can tell you when using the 600mm on a windy day, the IS stops the wind shakes 100%.  Just takes the wind effect out completely.  The IS on the MK1 lenses was pretty good at it as well but the new generation IS is WAY better.

I love IS, but aren't telephotos usually used with some other form of stabilization, e.g. a tripod?

[I rarely use focal lengths over 200mm, when I do it's usually 200mm f/2.8 IS with a TC. I don't like shooting sports, and don't have the time & patience for birds photogaphy.]

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Lenses / Re: EF 800mm f/5.6L IS II [CR2]

« on: April 29, 2013, 09:52:47 AM »

They almost have to release an 800/5.6 MkII.  The 600/4 MkII with a 1.4xIII gives an 840mm f/5.6 lens that's lighter and has better IQ than the current 800L.  Can't imagine they're selling many 800s these days...

Can't imagine they're selling many 800s other days...

14

EOS Bodies / Re: Back to the Future Parts 1/2/3 Canon Strategy

« on: April 29, 2013, 02:55:33 AM »

I disagree.

Smart phones' cameras are improving all the time, but size limitations means it will never be as good as MILCs. MILCs have a size advantage over DSLRs.

IMHO, the P&S market will be crushed between smart phones & MILCs. Those who want to carry the least will buy a smart phone, and settle on camera IQ, and those who aren't willing to settle on camera IQ will buy a MILC, and carry some extra weight.

Question is how will the market split between MILCs and DSLRs.

This is what, IMVHO, Canon should do:

1. Invest in sensors, lenses, and image processing software for smart phones.

2. Invest in the EOS-M line, e.g. more lenses & improve AF.

3. Reduce the number of DSLR lines. My guess is the EOS-M line is going to kill the entry level lines (xxxxD & xxxD).

4. Higher DSLR lines will have higher prices and/or longer lifecycles to compensate for lost sales due to 3.

15

Lenses / Re: EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x Release Date [CR1]

« on: April 28, 2013, 12:04:01 AM »

Most annoying product launch ever (assuming it actually launches)... 

I agree with you.

May be a non launch  May never come out.  Canon could cancel the lens at a time before it is introduced

I doubt that for two reasons.

First, the lens was already used by photographers in the Olympic games. That means most of the investment in the lens was already done, and Canon has an interest to manufacture the lens and cover the expenses.

If the lens turns into vaporware, that would be bad PR for Canon. Yes, this lens had a small target audience to begin with, and most photographers (including me) haven't considered buying one to begin with, but it would make customers suspect every announcement and delay.